NFL Predictions - Week Thirteen

WEEK THIRTEEN PREDICTIONS

XENA AND TANNER CHEW ON THE WEEK’S BIG GAME

Well, the doggies do good and then they do bad.  That is actually a pretty true statement about their real life behavior during their nearly 13 years of furry living.  They followed up a 4-0 week eleven with an 0-4 week twelve.  I guess we should have seen that fourth and 29 conversion coming in the Chargers loss to the Ravens.  Oh well -- if it were easy to pick games it wouldn't be any fun.  From here on out we stick to games with playoff implications.

Vikings@Packers - There is a recipe for success for Minnesota.  Control the ball and the clock with Adrian Peterson.  Keep the game low scoring and don't give up big plays.  The Packers lack the consistency from the running game and the offensive line to move the ball methodically down the field.  The Packers only hold a game advantage on the Vikings and the two teams play each other twice over the last five weeks.  The Packers can't afford to lose this game at home.  While the Pack looks shaky, I am counting on Rogers over Ponder to be the difference in a Packer win.

Seahawks@Bears - The Seahawks lost a tough, winnable game in Miami last week.  For the season they are now 5-0 at home and just 1-5 on the road.  The Bears played much better last week with Cutler back under center.  The Hawks have the pass rush that can potentially give the Bears fits.  The Seahawks have been competitive on the road, but just are not making the plays in the clutch that win games.  I look for a close Bears victory.

Bucs@Broncos - The Broncos have essentially wrapped up their division, the woeful AFC West where the other three teams are a combined 8-25.  The Bucs lost a tough game at home to Atlanta last week and are desperate for a win in a tight and congested NFC wild card battle.  The Bucs need this game more and it will be a good test for the Broncos.  Will they bring their A game and stay in the chase for the #2 seed in the AFC?  Will they put it in cruise control and lose to an inferior team?  My bet is the combination of Peyton's leadership and passing skills against a weak Bucs' secondary will keep this from being a disappointing loss for the Broncos.

Giants@Redskins - I can't wait for this one - -mainly because I love to watch RG3 play.  The bonus is that this game actually means something.  Should the Redskins win and the Cowboys beat the Eagles the Giants would hold just a game lead on the Boys and the Redskins with four to play.  I think Washington will play well, but I think the Giants will win a drama free contest.